Olubadan coronation: When politics, ethnicity took back stage

The nation witnessed an emerging new era in bridge building across the country at the coronation ceremony of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, in Ibadan at the weekend. In what appears an interesting development on the unity of the country, political, traditional and religious leaders from across the land forgot their partisanship as they converged on the capital of the old Western Region for the historic occasion.

No fewer that six state governors from the two major political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) were in attendance. Also present were ministers and former governors from the two parties, as well as chieftains of many of the political parties in the country. Indeed, it was more like a national carnival of sort witnessed by lots of people from across the country. Perhaps more significant was the presence of many prominent traditional rulers from both the north and southern parts of the country which appeared like a summit of sort.

Indeed, of particular note was the presence of many of the traditional rulers in the south west, many of whom had never been seen together in an occasion of this nature. Perhaps, this had to be due to the unifying efforts of the new Ooni of Ife, whom since he mounted the throne had embarked on uniting the Yoruba race. Thus, the ancient city of Ibadan was locked down as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, was installed by the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, at the historic Mapo Hall arcade, Ibadan amidst fanfare.

This is the second time Governor Ajimobi will install an Olubadan, having handed over the instrument of office to the late Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, shortly after he was sworn in for his first term in 2007. Oba Odulana passed on in January at the age of 101. The new Olubadan, who emerged from the Balogun line was the next High Chief among the Olubadan-in-council in seniority to the late Oba Odulana and natural successor to the throne. In his address, the governor said that the choice of Oba Adetunji was in accordance with the unique traditional selection process, adding that he had also fulfilled legal conditions attached to the ascension to the throne.

Ajimobi said: “Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji has been chosen because he has satisfied all the processes expected of a contender to the stool and found capable according to the Oyo State’s Chief ’s law cap 28. “The law states that whoever will ascend the Olubadan throne must not be found to be physically invalid, a lunatic or of unsound mind. Kabiyesi has passed these encumbrances and has been chosen by the Olubadan-in-council to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland”, he said.

The governor described the new monarch as a successful business icon that started humbly and later became the owner of record labels that produced and marketed many renowned artists like the late Dauda Epo Akara; fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, among others. He said any occupant of Olubadan stool must be above board in his dealings with his subjects because the jurisdiction of the king spanned over eleven local government areas in and around the metropolitan city.

Ajimobi intimated the gathering about the preparedness of his administration to review the Chief ’s Law in order to ensure speedy conclusion of the appointment of future Olubadan and the status of other chiefs. His words: “The government will soon start the review of the traditional Chief ’s Law, among other laws, to ease the process of selecting future Olubadan and ensure speedy conclusion of appointment to the office.”

He relayed the laid down processes and elevations a would-be Olubadan is expected to go through before becoming the king from the Balogun line as 23, which, he said, the newly crowned king had fulfilled before being selected by the Olubadan-in-council. In his maiden address to the people, the new Olubadan appreciated dignitaries and citizens of Ibadan that made the occasion unique, especially Ajimobi and other governors that attended the event, Olubadan-in-council, traditional rulers, and other well-wishers.

He enjoined the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency create the Ibadan State and upgrade the status of the Ibadan airport to an International standard. Olubadan said, “I appreciate you all for according me this honour as represented by this historic coronation ceremony, especially the Oyo State Government and my Chiefs that have been working around the clock for the success of this day. “I thank the Sultan of Sokoto (Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar) and other eminent kings for coming and wish them all a safe trip back home. My special request goes to Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency work for the creation of Ibadan State, and to do everything possible to upgrade Ibadan Airport to an International standard”, he added.

Dignitaries from all walks of life attended the epoch-making ceremony as the event like the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Oba of Lagos; Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo; Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Zulu Gambari; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Sotobi; among other prominent royal fathers. Also in attendance were many state governors: Lagos (Akinwumi Ambode); Ogun (Ibikunle Amosun); Osun (Rauf Aregbesola); Ekiti (Ayodele Fayose); Imo (Rochas Okorocha); former Governors of Oyo, Osun and Ogun, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Aremo Segun Osoba respectively, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as well as other eminent personalities from all walks of life